Eagle River family remembers ‘miracle’ that saved son’s life on organ donation day

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Every year on Valentine’s Day, hearts are handed out in the shape of chocolate boxes.

But for thousands of people across the country, this holiday is an opportunity to remember the real exchanges of hearts between lovers of different kinds. Because February 14th is not only Valentine’s Day, but also Organ Donation Day.

Sean Stockwell, 25, of Eagle River, underwent a heart transplant about 18 years ago. It’s a risky but necessary surgery that her mother, Trista, calls a “miracle.”

Before the surgery, Sean was at risk of dying from hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a birth defect caused by an underdeveloped heart.

Trista and Sean stopped by the studio on Wednesday to share the impact of organ donation. Watch the interview in the video above.

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